Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Showing 97–112 of 361 results
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Exchange-traded funds: Pros and cons
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 381
Abstract: Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are similar in many ways to mutual funds, but there are also significant differences. This short article looks at some of the benefits (such as generally low fees) and drawbacks (the lack of active management) of ETFs.
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Should you retire your mortgage before you retire?
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 505
Abstract: Many personal finance experts recommend paying off a mortgage before retiring. But there are also strong arguments in favor of prioritizing other financial goals, such as contributing to a retirement savings plan. This article considers both sides and encourages individuals to consider all relevant factors.
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Capital gains planning – When timing is everything
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 711
Abstract: The timing of capital gains and losses can have a significant impact on an investor’s tax bill. This article touts the advantages of holding appreciated investments longer. It also discusses timing for selling securities at a loss and how to offset losses against gains to reduce overall taxes. A sidebar notes that there’s still time to reduce one’s 2019 tax bill.
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Reversing direction – The benefits of “upstream” estate planning
November / December 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 889
Abstract: Traditional estate-planning techniques often focus on transferring wealth to the next generation in a tax-efficient manner. But shifting wealth to the older generation (commonly described as “upstream” planning) can also be an effective strategy. This article discusses the benefits of transferring appreciated assets to parents. A sidebar answers the question, “Should you buy your parents’ home?”
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Sec. 529 vs. Roth IRA plans – Choosing a college savings tool
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 417
Abstract: Many people assume that a Section 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But the Roth IRA can also help parents save for college expenses. This article reviews the strengths of each. For example, Sec. 529 plans allow participants to make substantial nondeductible contributions. Owners of Roth IRAs can withdraw contributions anytime, tax- and penalty-free, for any purpose.
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How to make market volatility your friend
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 812
Abstract: Maintaining positions in a well-diversified portfolio is the best response to market volatility. But there may be something else investors can do: Use falling prices as an investment opportunity. As this article argues, market declines aren’t purely negative events. They can allow investors to buy stocks that would have been more expensive a month or a year previously. A sidebar discusses why, when evaluating portfolio risk, the investor’s time horizon is critical.
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Divorcing? Revise your estate plan
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 639
Abstract: Divorce requires individuals to attend to several important estate planning items. This article explains what the law says about ex-spouses’ rights under wills and trusts and how the soon-to-be divorced should act to protect their own interests and those of their children. It recommends several types of trusts for this purpose.
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Have your cake and eat it too – SLATs provide tax benefits and enable wealth access
September / October 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act temporarily doubled the estate and gift tax exemption to $11.4 million. But the exemption is scheduled to return to its previous level at the end of 2025. Affluent families can potentially make the most of the elevated exemption while retaining at least some access to their wealth by using a spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT). This article talks about the trust features.
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Active vs. passive investing: How the strategies actually differ
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 410
Abstract: This article discusses active vs. passive investing, explaining that neither approach is inherently better than the other. However, depending on market conditions and other factors, either strategy can outperform. Ultimately, the right approach depends on the investor’s specific circumstances, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.
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A trust can be a mighty financial fortress
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 530
Abstract: Trusts are often established to achieve estate planning goals, including reducing taxes. But they can also help protect assets from creditors, former business partners, ex-spouses and “spendthrift” children. As this article explains, a trust must be irrevocable. It may also make sense to give trustees full discretion over whether and when to make distributions.
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3 options if your term life insurance is expiring
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 637
Abstract: A term life insurance policy can be a powerful, cost-effective tool for helping families meet their financial obligations following the death of a spouse or parent. But what happens when the term ends? This article talks about three options: Renew the existing policy, purchase a new term life policy and switch to permanent life insurance.
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QSBS offers remarkable tax breaks – But be sure to follow strict rules
July / August 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 854
Abstract: An often-overlooked provision of the U.S. tax code — Section 1202 — offers investors a remarkable tax break: the ability to exclude up to 100% of the gain on the sale of qualified small business stock (QSBS). But as this article explains, the stock must meet certain requirements and investors should weigh the benefits against the potential tax costs and investment risks. A sidebar warns that QSBS can be disqualified if it’s redeemed within two years of issuance.
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Investment vs. speculation: The critical difference
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 380
Abstract: Most investors don’t perform adequate investment research and there’s evidence that they may not understand the difference between investing and speculating. This article defines these activities and suggests ways to avoid investment risk.
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Parental priorities – How to choose a guardian for your child
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: For parents, naming a guardian for their minor children isn’t optional. This article helps parents choose the best candidate based on shared values and practical issues, such as physical proximity. It also makes the case for naming separate guardians for children in blended families.
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8 tips for protecting your money from cyberattacks
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 635
Abstract: Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to the wealth of many Americans. This article provides eight tips to help them mitigate the risk. These include: Employ dual-factor authentication, be careful with wire transfers, avoid unsecure Wi-Fi networks and set up financial activity alerts.
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Planning for a tax-efficient retirement
May / June 2019
Newsletter: Planning for Prosperity / Wealth Management Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 845
Abstract: As this article explains, tax planning for retirement is critical to ensuring that savings last. Retirees are urged to estimate cash needs, coordinate Social Security benefits with other income sources and take required minimum distributions. They should also allocate assets into taxable, tax-deferred and nontaxable “buckets.” A sidebar talks about making charitable distributions from a traditional IRA.